July 17, 2024
"They did not see one another; nor did anyone rise from his place for three days. But all the children of Israel had light in their dwellings."
- Exodus 10:23
Darkness was the ninth plague that God sent the Egyptians during His great work of deliverance for the children of Israel (Exodus 10:21-23). The Bible records that the darkness was so thick that it could even be felt. Because of the darkness, the Egyptians could not see, they could not go out or in, and they could not know what was going around them.
This experience of the Egyptians with the plague of darkness is insightful as it illustrates the characteristics of darkness that we should be mindful of. Being in darkness or to have darkness around is a terrible situation for any Christian to be in. This darkness, though it was physical with the Egyptians, can also manifest spiritually. And if we experience or recognize any of these characteristics, we can take action to address it through prayer and even fasting.
In this first devotional on overcoming darkness, let’s touch on the first effect of darkness as revealed in our anchor text—loss of sight or vision.
When there is darkness, we cannot see. And when we cannot see, we do not have vision and where there is no vision, the Bible says there is perishing (Proverbs 29:18).
Again, this is not physical darkness, but spiritual. It is possible to have eyes but not be able to see. The Bible did not mention that the Egyptians were blind. They had eyes but they just could not see.
Similarly, in 2 Kings 6:17, Elisha prayed that God open the eyes of his servant “And Elisha prayed, and said, “Lord, I pray, open his eyes that he may see.” Then the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw. And behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha”.
If you find yourself experiencing any form of purposelessness or lack of vision (in life or in a situation), or a sense of perishing or being lost, ask God in prayer to open your eyes that you may SEE. Light is the answer to this darkness and God will surely open your eyes to see the path forward for you. He will restore your sight and vision and deliver you from purposelessness or the feeling of being lost.
May the light of God deliver us from every type of darkness within and without, and restore our sight in Jesus name, Amen!
Song of Worship
Light of the world, You stepped down into darkness
Opened my eyes, let me see
Beauty that made this heart adore You, Hope of a life spent with You
Here I am to worship, here I am to bow down
Here I am to say that You're my God
You're altogether lovely, altogether worthy
Altogether wonderful to me
Prayer - Father, let the eyes of my heart, my understanding be opened, that I may see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Bring me out of darkness, restore my sight and show me the way in Jesus name, Amen.
Bible in 1 year: Psalms 20-22